The defensive line is the strength of what was one of the best defensive units in the league last year. RDT Kris Jenkins is among the best in the game at creating havoc in the middle of the line. Brentson Buckner is adequate on the left side and backups Kindal Moorehead and Shane Burton provide the depth needed to keep fresh bodies rotating into the lineup.
At defensive end, Julius Peppers has provided 19 sacks his first two seasons, and he could be poised to really break out this year. His sack totals were down in 2003, but he has the tools to be one of the league’s best pass rushers and opposing offenses can’t afford to consistently double team him with Mike Rucker terrorizing quarterbacks from the other end position.
Linebackers
Carolina is counting on Mark Fields, who missed all of the 2003 season after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease, to round out what should be a very solid group. Fields is expected to start on the strong side while Dan Morgan returns to the middle. Morgan has a lot of talent and could be considered among the best in the game if he could stay healthy, but in three seasons he has yet to play in more than 11 games.
Will Witherspoon is solid on the weak side, and backups Jesse Armstead and Brandon Short offer some flexibility and experienced depth to the unit.
Secondary
The Panthers secondary is not particularly spectacular, but they do have solid depth at every position. Ricky Manning came on strong during last season’s playoffs, but he has to prove his performance wasn’t a fluke. Former Bengals defensive back Antrell Hawkins, who saw his playing time and production decrease last year, will fill the other corner slot vacated by Reggie Howard. Rookie Chris Gamble and Terrance Shaw, who struggled in Okaland, will play in nickel and dime situations.
Tavares Tillman, who played sparingly in 2003, will take over for Deon Grant at free safety, while Mike Minter returns at strong safety. Minter plays well in the cover-2 and is a solid defender, but his lack of size will probably keep him from developing into an elite safety.
Overview
The Panthers are still very solid, but just like every other team in the league, there are areas for concern. The loss of Grant at safety was a big blow, and the juggling of the offensive line has the potential to blow up in their faces… and Delhomme’s lap.
With a strong running game, a quarterback that can manage the game, and a strong front-seven on the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers are going to be in most games this year, which means special teams could come into play again this year. Whether they come out on top of the majority of those contests, as they did last year, could make the difference between another playoff run and an 8-8 season.
Competition in the NFC South should be stiff this year, and the Panthers won’t sneak up on anyone this time around, but they are still the favorites to win the division. I think the road will be a little bumpier this year, but the Panthers will ride the strength of their defense to just slip by for another division title.
